Anna Sui Lip & Eye Colour Palettes Reviewed

I was so excited to review these absolutely gorgeous ANNA SUI Eye & Lip Colour Palettes. The Baroque packaging design is stunning, you could easily leave these out on the dressing table as they are so pretty and have that all important shelf appeal.

However, inside the contents are just as pretty and certainly do not disappoint.. I don't often scream in excitement but I can tell you in this case I was very nearly tempted!!

Take a look at these

Anna Sui Eye Colour Palette 

Inside are 10 wearable eye shadow shades from light to dark and a foam applicator and brush. Personally I would ditch the applicator and use your own brushes, ones inside eye palettes are rarely good.

The pale shades are great for every day and the darker shadows are perfect for evening and moving into Autumn (it pays to be prepared ;-))

Swatches 

The white is a brilliant white shimmery highlighting shade, you also get a nude (in my case it matches my skin-tone completely so you can just about see it) for a base shade, a pink, a taupe, 3 various shades of browns (one a brown/gold one shimmer, one satin, a pretty purple, a muddy green and finally a black with chunky glitter.

Day to Evening in one easy palette!

Anna Sui Lip Colour Palette 

Now this palette delighted me the most, I was expecting light glosses/tints and certainly not a palette of rich and creamy textured highly pigmented lipsticks. I made the mistake of putting the brush into the white pearlescent one and the brush disappeared into the creamy liquid! Now there is a shade for every occasion, gorgeous, gorgeous nudes, pinks, reds and a super bright coral. The shades are all surprisingly flattering.

Once again I wasn't really taken with the brush applicator, I would use my own lip brush.

Swatches 

Anna Sui Lip & Eye Colour Palettes retail for £28 a palette but Escentual.Com have them on offer for just £14 each!!

*Samples provided by escentual.com

No7 Intelligent Colour Bronzer

No7 say

A healthy glow to flatter all skin colours. Add natural warmth to all complexions with this light, super-blendable mousse.

Sheer coverage and super blendable mousse formula; with Vitamins A & E moisturise and condition the skin.Light diffusing particle- bounce light away from the skin and help soften the appearance of blemishes providing a smooth finish.

How to Use

Apply to your cheeks, temples and bridge of your nose for the most natural look, or all over your face to add warmth to your complexion.

My thoughts

The first thing I should mention is that you need to shake the product really well otherwise it will come out really watery. However, it is really easy to use, squeeze out and then apply and blend. The results are a hint of warm, natural looking colour. I say hint but I had to apply bronzer on my neck to match it! I really like it in place of a powder bronzer, results are instant and not shimmery, a nice matte but healthy glow.

No7 Intelligent Colour Bronzer 30ml £11.50 

*PR Sample

Teapigs Matcha Super Power Green Tea Drink

Move over green tea there is a new kid on the block set to take your crown and it's called Matcha, ok it is not really a new kid, it has been around for a while but relatively hard to get hold of. However, it is set to get easier to get hold off thanks to Teapigs.

*Matcha is known as the super power green tea. The reason? Well a 1g daily dose of all natural matcha contains the equivalent health benefits to 15 cups of regular green tea!

*Matcha leaves are ground by granite stone to a super fine powder drink

*It contains 137 times more antioxidants than regular green tea.

*Beat afternoon slump - Matcha contains an amino acid called L-theanine which works with the caffeine in the tea to give you a sustained energy boost.

*Helps create a state of mental alertness and focus

*Gives you a metabolism boost to help you burn more calories (great before a gym or yoga session

So if you are looking for a healthy drink to give you lots of energy (without the sugar) look this way.

Teapigs Match Super Power Green Tea Drinks are available in three flavours - grapefruit, apple and elderflower.

Features  -

High water content
All natural ingredients
No added sugar
Less than 32 calories per 100ml (the cartons contain 330ml) 
One serving of Matcha

I was sent two of the range to review. I have always wanted to try Matcha and now it is easier with this ready to drink option. No mixing powder with ingredients to do here. Simple and delicious drinks to grab and go.

Apple - Is refreshing with a hint of apple.

Elderflower - This is sweeter so would satisfy those with a sweet tooth.

Tip - I would shake really well as otherwise you get a powdery aftertaste (which is the matcha powder)

Both drinks are best drunk chilled and are thirst quenching and ideal for the hotter weather. I have been drinking one a day for almost a week now and already I can feel the difference. Despite the heat I am not flagging at all. I feel good and the screw top carton is handy to take out and about or reach for on the go.

Teapics Matcha Super Power Green Tea Drinks cost £1.89 

*PR Samples

Salvatore Ferragamo Signorina Eleganza Perfume - Review

I was recently sent the cutest mini sample of the newest perfume from designer Salvatore Ferragamo. A mini version (5ml) of the bottle design, it is very similar to the actual bottle except that there are a few more bows on the lid. Utterly charming and sweet.

Salvatore Ferragamo Signorina Eleganza is a luxurious fragrance that celebrates feminine and grace seduction with the fresh head notes of grapefruit and pear for a stimulating introduction, almond powder and golden osmanthus petals for a touch of indulgent luxury with base notes of patchouli and white leather, leaving a lingering scent on the skin.

Top notes - Grapefruit & Pear

Heart notes - Almond Powder & Osmanthus Petals

Base notes - Patchouli & White Leather

My thoughts 

Signorina Eleganza is a fruity floral. It bursts onto the scene with the sparkling fresh fruit on initial spray but this soon calms to an intense and yet delicately, sweet and almost powdery heart with the almond and osmanthus petals. The cool earthiness of patchouli isn't so evident to me, the white leather blends to leave a pleasant musk dry down.

It is light and yet enduring, perfect for day. 

This perfume is timeless, elegant and refined. A modern, luxurious scent that is here to stay. 

Salvatore Ferragamo Signorina Eleganza 30ml costs £42

MUA Nail Polish in Bright Pink - Nails Of The Day

I have to confess to having had this bottle of Bright Pink polish for a while now.. it has the sweetest story behind it. My son (aged 6) bought it for me last year when he was 5 at the Mums and Dads Stall at the School Christmas Fayre as a surprise present for me. Bless him, he clearly knows I love makeup!

I always thought a Barbie pink shade was not for me, until yesterday! The sun was shining, I had matching trainers and I just had to put it on. I was pleasantly surprised, it looks FABULOUS in the sunshine. Bright and fun.

Good choice my little boy :)

MUA Nail Polish costs just £1 and has since been repackaged into Essie style bottles. I needed two coats for opacity. 

Paul & Joe Makeup Spring/Summer 2014 and A Sneaky Autumn Peek!

I have already shown you the Paul & Joe Indigo Blues Nail Polish  from the Ice Cream Parlour and now I have a few more items of beauty.

First up is the Eye Colour Trio in April Paris 

A gorgeous trio of shades - yes there is a glittery blue but on the skin this transforms to a cool bright shade that is just ideal for highlighting and brightening the inner corner of the eyes and brow bone. A matte pink neutral shade that is the perfect base for your eyes and a light shimmer brown that is great for shading/crease. So 3 shades, 3 textures and the effects are subtle but pretty. The textures are great to work with, blending beautifully and lasting.

Paul & Joe Eye Color Trio in April Paris

Note - The compact shadow doesn't come in a case, Paul & Joe have launched 4 different compact cases to choose from . Above you can see the sweet Kitty Compact 002, however it also comes in two super pretty floral designs (Chrysanthemum and Floral) which I adore. It also comes in Compact I - the classic case (matches the lid of the glossy lip color)

Finally, the Paul & Joe Glossy Lip Color in shade 04 Flamingo

This shade is sublime, a perfect for Summer not too bright and yet super juicy coral. It is creamy and glossy, with rich colour pay off and it is not shimmery or glittery. It applies evenly and doesn't feel gloopy or sticky on the lips. I love the packaging, it is compact and has a pretty white lid with a raised embossed print. The wand is curved for easy application. A winner. 

The only problem is that the new collection of Glossy Lip Colors are not available until October!! 

Paul & Joe Eye Color Trio £23

Paul & Joe Compact Case £7

Paul & Joe Glossy Lip Color £20 

*PR Samples

What's Inside My July 2014 Glossybox - Stars & Stripes Edition

July's Glossybox has landed and what a little corker it is!

First up, you cannot miss the striking Stars & Stripes packaging on the box ..so much fun. My son has already claimed this for his lego!!

The theme this month is American Beauty Heroes.. so what is inside my July Glossybox?

Ok first up my least favourite item in the box..

Color Club Nail Polish in shade Glossy Seal - Full Size $8

This is a specially created shade for Glossybox but I am just not a fan of blue polishes (unless they are a Tiffany blue) so this will be given to someone who is. Color Club polishes are made with non toxic, cruelty free ingredients.

ABSOLUTE New York Perfecting Eyeshadow Primer - Full Size $4.99

I am not familiar with this brand at all and I am looking forward to putting this eye primer to the test. It claims to be oil-free and ultra creamy. It will even tone around the eye area and keep eyeshadow crease free... watch this space!

Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-1 Mascara (sample size) - Full size £19.50 

Apparently this is a US mascara hero product with its lengthening, curling, volumizing and conditioning properties. Well I love a good mascara as I don't wear false lashes or lash inserts or extensions so a review will follow soon. Fingers crossed it is as good as it sounds. As this is a mini product this is great to pop in your makeup bag for a weekend away.

Carmex Lip Balm - Full Size £2.49

Carmex Lip Balm has almost iconic status around the world and I haven't actually tried the original,  I hear it is tingling and I am not sure about that as I have quite sensitive lips. I may or may not be brave, if not this is going to my sister who loves it!

Bellapierre Cosmetics Limited Mineral Lipstick in shade Mandarina £20 

I have seen quite a few people moan about the inclusion of an orange lipstick in their box but I have to say I am absolutely delighted with it (the other shades were a pink or a red). I love a good orange lipstick in the Summer. Bright and fun.

Mandarina is a gorgeous true matte orange.

As soon as the box arrived I popped the lipstick on and got many compliments on the school run. This will be coming on holiday with me!

The only thing I would say is that your lips do need to be in tip top condition to wear it as it does cling to dry bits.

Wearing Mandarina

I have no idea why the pic is showing my lips looking a bit odd, the pic on my computer is completely even!

*PR Sample

SEVENTEEN FALSIFeye HD! Mascara Review

Over the weekend I have been testing out SEVENTEEN's newest mascara - FALSIFeye HD in Blackest Black 

SEVENTEEN say 

Fake it with FALSIFeye HD!

Lash by lash separation, corner to corner volume and length for High Definition impact!

My thoughts 

I love the rubber wand, I find that it picks up my lashes beautifully, providing fantastic separation, volume and brilliant lengthening ability. With two coats I don't find that I get much thickening but this is balanced by the fact that you don't get any clumping. The formula is buildable so with another coat or so you can get thicker looking lashes if necessary.

However, I am happy with the results. Gorgeous, long lashes that are fanned out and blackest black lives up to its name, it is a nice rich shade.

I have used the mascara for a few days now and have noticed that there is no flaking/ fall out and mostly no smudging. Although, after a few hours on warmer days I did notice the mascara smudging if I used it on my lower lashes (this is only noticeable if you are not wearing eye liner).

Would I buy this mascara? Absolutely. It is a great price and gives a great result.

Check out the before and after pics

Before 

After 

Stand out lashes in photos 

SEVENTEEN FALSIFeye HD Mascara costs £6.99 but is currently on offer at £4.99!

*PR Sample

Burberry Brit Rhythm For Her Eau De Toilette Review

Burberry say 

Brit Rhythm is a free-spirited, irreverent fragrance for women
Experience a rush of English lavender, neroli and pink peppercorn
An intoxicating heart of blackberry leaves, orris absolute and orange flower absolute
A deep and sensual baseline of vetiver, musk and vibrant woods

Top notes - English Lavender, Neroli, Pink Peppercorn

Heart notes - Blackberry Leaves, Orris Absolute, Orange Flower Absolute

Base notes - Vetiver, Musk, Vibrant Woods

My thoughts 

Burberry's newest fragrance is an elegant affair. A delicious and warm concoction of sweet and yet fresh fruits and flowers with more than a hint of powdery loveliness. This is smooth, very smooth and the base of musk just adds to the perfectness of this scent. Feminine and sensual, I have to say I can't get enough of it its beauty. I am feeling the rhythm!

Burberry Brit Rhythm For Her Eau De Toilette 30ml costs £40 

New - Starbucks Bottled Cookies & Cream Frappuccino

This week to celebrate the launch of Starbucks latest Bottled Chilled Drink - Cookies & Cream Frappuccino I popped down to the Nailberry Salon in South Kensington for a specially created Cookies & Cream Facial and Manicure from the KatyandTaty team ...

The Facial was relaxing and superb, with ingredients like oatmeal, pure cocoa powder, almond oil and fresh cream, it smelt so good I wanted to eat my own face. The facial left my skin feeling super soft and so incredibly clean and glowy.. I even did the school run with no makeup which I never do!

The Manicure featured a sugar and vanilla hand scrub with almond oil and Vitamin E followed by Nailberry's Iced Mocha polish and a bit of nail art with flecks of silver and black to represent the cookies and cream of the new drink.. Pretty!

As for the new drink.. well I am already a fan of the Starbucks Bottled Vanilla Frappuccino that features 100% Arabica espresso roast coffee that you find instore and this is now another firm fave! It is a delicious sweet, coffee drink with the taste of cookies and cream that is the perfect weekly treat.

Starbucks Bottled Cookies & Cream Frappuccino is in shops costing £1.79

L'Occitane Vitória-Régia Day Body Lotion & Hand Cream

Completing the au Bresil Collection from L'Occitane is the Vitória-Régia Day Flower range . Where the Vitória-Régia Night range is sweet and floral the day collection is a green and fresh floral which is every bit as fragrant.

L'Occitane say 

The story - 

The majestic vitória-régia flower perfumes Amazonian waters with its captivating fragrance. A versatile plant, its petals transform from white to pink, intensifying their floral aquatic scent. Ephemeral, this flower dismisses itself after two days, giving way to new life

Hand cream - 

Enriched with shea butter, this light cream hydrates hands, while leaving them delicately perfumed with the green, aquatic floral notes of the Vitória-Régia Day Flower fragrance. It contains a vitória-régia extract from the Amazônia region of Brazil.

Body Lotion 

The smooth Vitória-Régia Body Lotion melts rapidly into the skin leaving it soft, supple and pleasantly perfumed with aquatic floral notes.

Contains Vitória-Régia extract typical from Amazônia.

My thoughts 

The day lotion has a fabulous and delicate fresh scent that is mirrored in the hand cream. Both are light to apply but absorb fast leaving silky smooth, soft skin that smells wonderful.

I love the size of the hand cream, perfect to travel with.

The au Bresil collection is quite simply gorgeous and my love affair with L'Occitane products continues..

L'Occitane Vitória-Régia Day Body Lotion 250ml £20

L'Occitane Vitória-Régia Day Hand Cream 30ml £8

*PR Samples

L'Occitane Vitória-Régia Night Flower Eau de Cologne

L'Occitane's Vitória-Régia Night Flower Eau de Cologne is from the Limited edition au Bresil Collection.

L'Occitane say 

The Vitória-Régia Night Flower Eau de Cologne captures the richest scent of the pink, fully blossomed vitória-régia petals, in a voluptuous floral perfume. Initial powdery notes give way to the sensual vitória-régia notes in the heart of this fragrance. It contains a vitória-régia extract from the Amazônia region of Brazil.

Story behind the flower..

The majestic vitória-régia flower perfumes Amazonian waters with its captivating fragrance. A versatile plant, its petals transform from white to pink, intensifying their floral aquatic scent. Ephemeral, this flower dismisses itself after two days, giving way to new life

Top notes:
Reed
Water Hyacinthe

Heart notes:
>Peony
Vitoria Amazonica
Lily of the Valley

Base notes:
Waterfall Accord
Cedar Wood
Musk

My thoughts

I really like this slightly sweet but sensual floral fragrance, it does remind me of something else already on the market but I can't quite put my finger on what.. anyway no matter it is one that appeals.

A delicious and light Summer evening scent

L'Occitane Vitória-Régia Night Flower Eau de Cologne 100ml costs £30 

*PR Sample

Eucerin DermatoCLEAN Micellar Cleansing Fluid Review

I have had great results with the Eucerin brand before, I loved the Even Brighter day and night cream and my MIL has been using the Even Brighter Pigment Reducing Spot Corrector which has really worked in fading a large age spot she has on her face... so when Escentual.com asked if I would like to review the DermatoCLEAN Micellar Cleansing Fluid I didn't need much persuading.

Eucerin say 

DermatoCLEAN 3 in 1 Cleansing Fluid is a convenient facial cleanser, eye make-up remover and toner in one product. It contains a very effective yet extra mild cleansing complex and nature-derived actives.

Result - Your skin is perceptibly clean, cleared and refreshed.
              Your skin can breather and is optimally prepared for moisturisation

Free of: fragrance, alcohol, colours and parabens.

Suitable for sensitive skin, the sensitive eye area and contact lens wearers.

To use - Soak a cotton wool pad and sweep over the face. Repeat until the pads come away clear. Do not rinse.

My thoughts 

This micellar water has no colour and no scent. It feels like you are just applying water to the skin. I have quite an irritated nose area due to hayfever and this doesn't cause any stinging or soreness in any way. For a product that has no scent this is incredibly refreshing and skin really feels super clean. It is an effective makeup remover and eye makeup/mascara but not waterproof mascara.

Skin feels soft, clean and refreshed and not at all tacky to touch.

Great stuff.

Eucerin DermatoCLEAN Micellar Cleansing Fluid 200ml costs £9 from Escentual.com

*PR Sample